New owner of 2006 Tacoma: Need advice on priorities

kepicona

New member
Hi there -

I've been reading all these threads for a while, mostly lurking in the background until now. Everyone here seems super helpful. I've been to an Expedition Trophy (2008) event in AZ with a friend, so I've had a basic introduction to this community. I finally was able to grab a Tacoma of my own recently, this one is a 2006 v6 SR5 Double Cab 4wd, all stock right now except for a cap. I've gone underneath to look at the differential, pretty sure it's open. (Limited slip is optional on SR5, right?)

I don't have much of a budget for making the improvements that I need to do to have a nice overland vehicle. My ultimate goal is to have a vehicle that appears mostly straight-forward, but is capable of some adventures when needed. I don't need it to look like I'm doing serious expeditions just yet.

Now that you have all the details, I was wondering if some of you experienced folks could maybe give me some advice on priorities: that is, where should I start? If there was one thing I should mod first, what should I start to save up for?

Thanks!
 

kepicona

New member
Here's a pic, from my phone because that's the only camera I have at the moment:

2011-06-25184231.jpg
 

IndigoTaco

New member
Congrats on the new truck! Got the same exact one but an 07. Mine did come with a limited slip, and you can tell by looking at the stickers on your diff, should say something about LSD oil only. Haven't started modding yet, saving up for and ARB front bumper at the moment and some springs to level the front out. Next phase will be sliders and skids, and then F/R ARB lockers. check out tacomaworld.com for cheap and free mods to do for Tacomas
 

greg mgm

Explorer
Your Tacoma looks great, congrats.
My priority is suspension. I like my vehicle to have a nice controlled ride (especially off road) Although my Tundra is bone stock, my off road toys have modified suspensions. My baja is highly modified.

Having said that, your Taco can do a whole lot as is. Don't waste time waiting for aftermarket parts....get out there and explore now. Plus, that'll give you more ideas what mods would work best for you.
 

MrGrimm

Mall Crawler
I agree with the getting out there and see what you need but I also would suggest a set of sliders. Not just for the whole armor aspect but I step on mine all the time to get items on the roof. Helps the little people get in the truck too. My Demello bolt on sliders stick out just enough to do this.
 

mountainpete

Spamicus Eliminatus
Here's my take. Spend your money on the following:

Fuel. Go explore and use the truck before you make any modifications.

Preventative maintenance. Go over the truck top to bottom. Change all of the fluids. Change filters. Make sure the brake pads have lots of life. Learn it's smells, vibrations and sounds. Get to know the soul of your new best friend.

Tires. You only have 4 contacts with the earth. You can go much further with the right tires and zero lift than an awesome suspension package with the wrong tires.

Recovery, safety and repair equipment. Invest in some good recovery straps, a fire extinguisher and tools to do any necessary trail repairs. You will find that you will build this equipment over time and what you will need depends on where you go and how far you are away from civilization.

From there, build according to the trails you travel and budget.

Pete
 

Overland Hadley

on a journey
Here's my take. Spend your money on the following:

Fuel. Go explore and use the truck before you make any modifications.

Preventative maintenance. Go over the truck top to bottom. Change all of the fluids. Change filters. Make sure the brake pads have lots of life. Learn it's smells, vibrations and sounds. Get to know the soul of your new best friend.

Tires. You only have 4 contacts with the earth. You can go much further with the right tires and zero lift than an awesome suspension package with the wrong tires.

Recovery, safety and repair equipment. Invest in some good recovery straps, a fire extinguisher and tools to do any necessary trail repairs. You will find that you will build this equipment over time and what you will need depends on where you go and how far you are away from civilization.

From there, build according to the trails you travel and budget.

Pete

I was going to make a post, but it is more or less the same as Pete have noted above.

Gas and good AT tires.

Once you start carrying some camping gear you will want a beefier suspension, Old Man Emu gets my vote.
 
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Plannerman

Wandering Explorer
All that being said, the two most valuable mods I've made to my Tacoma are extra D-rings in the bed (for securing loads) and sliders (which have really saved my butt, er, rocker panels).
 

kepicona

New member
extra D-rings in the bed

Yeah, this might end up being the first thing I do. I went on a brief camping trip last weekend and I was disappointed to find only two D rings. I'm slightly OCD about stuff sliding around.


Awesome advice from everyone. My sincere thanks.
 

soundman1463

Expedition Padawan
I would like to throw this link out there, it's from Tacomaworld there are a bunch of little mods that you can do to your truck and that includes adding more d-rings to the bed of the truck. I have an '08 DCLB Sport in the same color and I love it.

The first thing that I did was got new tires then suspension. Then the rest slowly came; armor, lighting, front Aluminess bumper, then a bunch of interior mods. Good luck and have fun building your truck to your own needs! Welcome! :wavey:
 

Andy@AAV

Old Marine
I like to start with things that can get me out of trouble (armor, winch, recovery gear) then start adding the stuff to get me into trouble (lift, bigger tires, lockers). Also, some good friends with trucks, an understanding wife and an excellent credit rating:)
 

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